Wentworth institute of Technology

Laboratory Report Format

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Abstract
In one brief concise paragraph not to exceed 150 words, give the reader enough information to
understand what the experiment was about, what was done, and what conclusions were drawn.
This is not the experimental write up or procedure from item #4, or the complete conclusion from
item #8, but includes a summary of what was done, and what was concluded.

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Contents
Wentworth institute of Technology ................................................................................................ 1
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Experimental Procedure .................................................................................................................. 5
Results ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Data ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Table ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Illustration of set up .................................................................................................................... 6
Sketches of observations ............................................................................................................. 6
Graphs ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Sample calculations .................................................................................................................... 8
Discussion of results ................................................................................................................... 8
Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 9
References ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Appendix ....................................................................................................................................... 11

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Introduction
Include a brief introduction to the experiment which includes presentation of theory and
appropriate reference material citations regarding the experiment.

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Experimental Procedure
This is taken from the laboratory manual or from material given to the students by the professor.
The procedure includes identification and description of equipment used along with the operational
procedures to conduct the experiment.

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Results
Data
All original measurements must be recorded no matter how trivial. Organize the data taken and
put it in tabular form.

Table
Repetitive and iterative calculations can be done using a spreadsheet and displayed in tabular form.

Illustration of set up
Include a drawing of the arrangement of the equipment and measuring devices showing the
location of gages, gage markings, etc. Use simple diagrams of essentials only.

Sketches of observations
In some experiments the results are shown by making a sketch of what happens. Include those
here.

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Graphs
Graphs must be integrated in the report by using a section break and using the entire page in landscape format using Excel for each graph.

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Sample calculations
Examples of each different calculation must be done using Microsoft equation editor and
integrated as part of the report.

Discussion of results
Comment on the graphs, results, or any other aspect of the experiment that is pertinent to the
conclusion. A set of questions is generally given to provide a starting point for the discussion. Do
not confine the discussion to merely answering the questions. A discussion of errors and their
possible causes are always pertinent.

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Conclusion
This is the most important part of the report. State conclusions that can be justified with the data.
From the conclusions the boss will be able to determine what steps to take next. He/She will also
learn if the experimenter understands the problem and has analyzed the data correctly. Make sure
that thoughts are worded as conclusions, and not observations. Make simple declarative
statements, and do not ramble into a discussion. Conclusions should tell how the results of this
experiment can be applied to other experiments. All statements need to refer directly to the current
data.

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References
Cite all references in accordance with ASME standards attached in the appendix of this document.

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Appendix
Include an appendix with material as required.

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